fingerprint
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fingerprint
The unique pattern of lines at the tip of a finger, or the print that this pattern leaves on a surface. It is used to identify people.
Die Polizei konnte am Tatort einen klaren Fingerabdruck des Täters sichern.
The police were able to secure a clear fingerprint of the perpetrator at the crime scene.
The word is made up of 'Finger' (finger) and 'Abdruck' (print/impression). So it literally describes the print that a finger leaves behind.
Moderne Smartphones lassen sich per Fingerabdruck entsperren.
Modern smartphones can be unlocked by fingerprint.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about forensics, police, or biometric data, the literal print is meant. If people are talking about art, style, or a person's influence, the figurative meaning is meant.
Die Polizei fand am Fenster einen Fingerabdruck.
The police found a fingerprint on the window.
In police or administrative contexts, a fingerprint is 'genommen' (taken), 'abgegeben' (provided), or 'gesichert' (secured/collected). A person can 'hinterlassen' (leave) a fingerprint.
Für den neuen Reisepass musste ich meine Fingerabdrücke abgeben.
For the new passport, I had to provide my fingerprints.
In the figurative meaning, the fixed expression 'seinen (persönlichen/künstlerischen) Fingerabdruck hinterlassen' (to leave one's personal/artistic fingerprint) is almost always used.
Mit ihrem sozialen Engagement hat sie in der Stadt ihren Fingerabdruck hinterlassen.
Through her social engagement, she left her fingerprint on the city.
feature
'Merkmal' and 'Fingerabdruck' can both refer to something by which you recognize someone or something. 'Merkmal' is general and can mean many kinds of qualities or features. 'Fingerabdruck' literally means the line pattern of a finger or the print it leaves, for example in police work. Figuratively, 'Fingerabdruck' can also mean a very personal style. The words can be confused because a fingerprint can be a very specific distinguishing feature. If you are speaking generally about characteristics, use 'Merkmal'. If it is about something unique and unmistakable, 'Fingerabdruck' may fit.
Auf dem Glas fand die Polizei einen Fingerabdruck.
The police found a fingerprint on the glass.
Ein ruhiges Verhalten ist ein Merkmal, an dem man den Hund gut erkennt.
Calm behavior is a feature by which the dog is easy to recognize.